Pattern Magic 2

Synopsis

Pattern Magic 2 is the follow up to the best-selling Pattern Magic. This series takes the cult pattern-cutting text from Japan and gives the reader an easy-to-follow guide to creating stunning, sculptural garments with a couture feel. Inspiring and exciting, this volume takes a creative approach to pattern cutting with more step-by-step projects for fashion designers and dressmakers to enjoy.

This book looks at creating interesting surfaces, optical illusions and curved shapes through pattern cutting. All the basic information you need to start pattern cutting is included, from the basic block to measurements and scaling. Each project is beautifully illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs showing the stages of construction, the muslins (toiles) and the finished garments. The 200 illustrations and detailed instructions make it easy to create stunning, sculptural clothes.

Review for Pattern Magic 2:

'A super useful thing I found in these books is that EACH of the projects shown has its own tutorial with text, measurements and step by step images that show you how to create the paper pattern. This allow you to learn new sewing techniques.' Imaginativebloom.com

CONTENTS:

Using this book
Fundamentals

Part 1: Playing with Geometrics
Wearing a balloon; wearing a circle; wearing a triangle; wearing a square; sprouting at the back; sprouting at the front; just like a stole; a ball-shaped accordion; circular accordion; circular sleeve; square accordion

Part 2: Decorative structures
Knots; like a jungle; stars; flip turn; different facings, different looks; cowl neck; application of the cowl-neck design

Part 3: It vanished...
A vanishing scarf; a vanishing tie; a vanishing lapel; a vanishing pocket

Bunka-style sloper for an adult woman
Bunka-style sloper for an adult woman (size M) (half-scale)

*The dress form used as the basis for the designs in this book is the Bunka-style sloper (block) for an adult Japanese woman. All patterns are for a size M Japanese woman (bust 83cm, waist 64cm, and centre back length 38cm). The position of the cutting and opening out lines, the allowances, and other measurements may vary according to garment size. If you are using the half-scale dress form, reduce the full-sized measurements on the drawings by half when you develop the patterns.

For more Pattern Magic inspiration try the companion titles:
Pattern Magic
Pattern Magic 3
Pattern Magic: Stretch Fabrics

Summary

Chapter 1: Bodice Sloper and Blouse Patterns

* Summary:
* Explains the concept of a bodice sloper as a foundation for creating a variety of blouse patterns.
* Provides step-by-step instructions on drafting a sleeveless bodice sloper based on body measurements.
* Real Example:
* A cropped boxy blouse: Using the bodice sloper, the pattern for a cropped blouse with a boxy silhouette is created by extending the shoulder line and adding a straight hem.

Chapter 2: Skirt Sloper and Skirt Patterns

* Summary:
* Introduces the skirt sloper and demonstrates how to draft various skirt patterns such as a basic straight skirt, a gathered skirt, and a pleated skirt.
* Emphasizes the importance of the waistline and hemline when creating different skirt designs.
* Real Example:
* A tiered maxi skirt: The skirt sloper is used to create a tiered maxi skirt with multiple tiers, varying in length and fullness.

Chapter 3: Sleeve Sloper and Sleeve Patterns

* Summary:
* Focuses on drafting a sleeve sloper and adapting it to create various sleeve patterns, including a basic one-piece sleeve, a set-in sleeve, and a puff sleeve.
* Real Example:
* A peasant blouse with ruffled sleeves: The sleeve sloper is used to design ruffled sleeves for a peasant blouse, adding a touch of volume and femininity to the garment.

Chapter 4: Collar and Neckline Patterns

* Summary:
* Explores different collar and neckline patterns, such as the classic collar, the mandarin collar, and the scoop neckline.
* Real Example:
* A button-up shirt with a notched collar: The pattern for a notched collar is created and added to the bodice sloper, giving a professional and tailored look to the shirt.

Chapter 5: Pants Sloper and Pants Patterns

* Summary:
* Introduces the concept of a pants sloper and provides instructions on drafting various pants patterns, including basic trousers, jeans, and jodhpurs.
* Pays attention to details such as crotch depth, leg width, and waistband construction.
* Real Example:
* High-waisted wide-leg pants: The pants sloper is used to create a pattern for high-waisted wide-leg pants, characterized by a flattering silhouette and a comfortable fit.

Chapter 6: Jacket Sloper and Jacket Patterns

* Summary:
* Explains the drafting process of a jacket sloper and demonstrates how to use it to create different jacket patterns, such as a blazer, a trench coat, and a bomber jacket.
* Covers details such as shoulder construction, lapels, and pocket placement.
* Real Example:
* A fitted blazer with peak lapels: The jacket sloper is transformed into a pattern for a fitted blazer with sharp peak lapels, creating a sophisticated and elegant garment.